Wireless charging has become a standard feature in smartphones and I’ve personally replaced all of the phone chargers in my house with wireless ones. It makes even more sense in a car where you don’t want cords all over the place. In this article, I’ll show you how to install a vehicle specific wireless charger that’s integrated into the center console of your F30 or F80 BMW. You can purchase a JD Cars Lightning Console here and use my code JUSTIN5 to get 5% off.
My friend Jake who goes by JD Cars (@jd.cars) on social media is a content creator who is shifting into automotive product design. His first product, the JD Cars Lightning Console replaces the cupholder portion of your F30 center console with one that has a built in wireless charger. The Lightning Console is 100% plug-and-play, and looks stock which I love. If you didn’t know better, you’d think the car came with it.
The Lightning Console includes a small tool kit with everything you’ll need for the installation.
Ethics statement: This part was provided for free by JD Cars. I earn a commission if you purchase it through my custom link.
Features
Integrated Wireless Charging Pad
Smart Battery Protection - Automatically Prevents Overcharging
Removable Anti-Skid Mat and Raised Lip Keeps Phone Secure
10 Watt Charging Output (at 1.5A)
Qi 1.2 Wireless Charging Standard
164mm x 80mm Charging Pad
Plug & Play - No Wiring Required
Install in Less Than 1 Hour
No Coding Required
OEM+ Aesthetic
Tools Included
Tools Required (included)
Interior pry tool
Pick tool
T20 Torx screwdriver
Installation Guide
Before you begin, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Step 1
Use the included interior trim removal tool to remove the center console trim.
Step 2
Unplug the iDrive controller.
Step 3
Remove gear selector trim.
Step 4
Remove drive mode selector switch and unplug it.
Step 5
Remove the two T20 screws from the cup holder portion of the center console.
Step 6
Remove the cup holder section by pulling up on the rear, then pulling out towards you. Be careful to not break any clips.
Step 7
Unplug the harnesses for the 12 volt outlet and the keyless entry module.
Step 8
Remove the 12 volt outlet from the cupholder and transfer it to the lightning console. Getting it out is kind of tricky. Use a pick tool to press the tabs inside the outlet while simultaneously pushing the outlet out from behind.
Step 9
Use a pick tool to transfer the six alagator clips from the stock cupholder to the Lightning Console. Be careful that you don’t bend them while removing them.
Step 10
Use a T20 screwdriver to transfer the keyless entry module from the stock cup holder to the Lightning Console.
Step 11
Install the 12 volt outlet. Note that if you have an LCI F30 like mine, you’ll need to use the included adapter ring.
Step 12
Plug in the wiring harness adapter that’s included in the kit.
Step 13
Reinstall everything in reverse order. Re-connect all of the harnesses and double check that the connections are secure.
If you did everything correctly, you should have a working wireless charger in your F30! The charger has a green LED indicator to let you know that it’s getting power. The light will turn red when you set your phone on it to indicate that it’s charging. Like all wireless chargers, you’ll want to be careful to keep metal objects like keys or coins away from the charging surface as they could become dangerously hot. The charger is large enough to accommodate my iPhone 14 Pro Max which is one of the largest phones on the market.
If you’re considering purchasing a JD Cars Lightning Charger, be sure to use my discount code JUSTIN5 to get 5% off your order.
Compatibility
BMW F30 320i (2012-2019)
BMW F30 328d (2012-2019)
BMW F30 328i (2012-2019)
BMW F30 335i (2012-2019)
BMW F30 ActiveHybrid 3 (2012-2019)
BMW F30 330i (2015-2019)
BMW F30 340i (2015-2019)
BMW F31 328d (2012-2019)
BMW F31 328i (2012-2019)
BMW F32 428i (2013-2019)
BMW F32 435i (2013-2019)
BMW F32 430i (2016-2019)
BMW F32 440i (2016-2019)
BMW F33 428i (2014-2019)
BMW F33 435i (2014-2019)
BMW F33 430i (2017-2019)
BMW F33 440i (2017-2019)
BMW F34 328i (2012-2019)
BMW F34 335i (2012-2019)
BMW F36 428i (2014-2019)
BMW F36 435i (2014-2019)
BMW F36 430i (2017-2019)
BMW F36 440i (2017-2019)
BMW F80 M3 (2014-2020)
BMW F80 M3 Comp (2016-2020)
BMW F80 M3 CS (2018-2020)
BMW F82 M4 (2013-2020)
BMW F83 M4 (2015-2020)
BMW F82 M4 Comp (2016-2020)
BMW F83 M4 CS (2017-2020)
BMW F82 M4 GTS (2016)